Archive for the ‘Acura’ Category

When the new Aston Martin Vantage came out, I criticized the brand for producing a car that looked like a serious rip off of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Now, as I was looking over the news from the past week, I see that there’s another look-alike out there, and this time, it looks like Tesla decided to copy the Honda NSX and slap a Tesla Roadster badge on it. Now, it isn’t a blatant and condemning rip-off, and maybe not even as bad as the Vantage vs. MX-5 copying scheme, but it’s pretty bad. I would say the Roadster looks like a blurry version of the NSX – almost like cars in 128-bit video games used to look compared to their real-life counterparts. Don’t believe me? Check out the quick comparison below.

Tesla Roadster vs Acura NSX

“Even the lines below the headlights appear remarkably similar to the outer and lower edge of the corner vents”

As much as I hate to say it, as I usually give Tesla the benefit of the doubt, it really does look like the brand took the blueprints for the NSX, dulled them down a bit, and made some minor alterations. Now, it doesn’t have the fancy radiator grille (not like it needs it, anyway) but it has the same general body line. Even the lines below the headlights appear remarkably similar to the outer and lower edge of the corner vents. And, take a look at the hood (or where the hood would be on the Roadster) the swooping lines aren’t quite as muscular but there are there and even at the same pitch. The wheel arches at the front fenders – near identical for three-quarters of their length, at which points Tesla’s bodyline continues toward the headlights. Speak of which, the headlights are different shapes, but the recess for the roadsters headlight is the same shape as the NSX’s headlights. It’s so similar; it almost looks as if the NSX’s headlights would fit right in there if they didn’t come to such flat point at the inner edge.

“The rear quarts are nearly identical save for the air intake that the NSX requires for the engine to breath”

Moving to the side, look at the opening behind the rear quarter glass – it’s painfully obvious that it’s identical. What about the shape, pitch, and curve of the A-Pillar? Yup, it’s the same too. The rear quarts are nearly identical save for the air intake that the NSX requires for the engine to breath. The lower body line on the side is nearly the same, with the only difference being the variance in grade of about one percent. Even the wheels look almost Identical as do the little vents in the fender between the door and the front wheel well. Even in the rear. Take a look at the rear spoilers. The Roadster’s is a little flatter, but it’s nearly the same. The taillights are almost identical too, but because of their design, they are a little blurrier at a distance. The Roadster may not have the rear vents in the corners, but if you look at the diffuser-like element, it’s quite similar to the NSX’s opening in the rear fascia. Even the rear glass features the same general grade from top to rear.

“Even the rear glass features the same general grade from top to rear.”

As I said, I normally give Musk and Tesla the benefit of the doubt, but there sure are a lot of similarities here, and I’m not the only one that is noticing them. What do you think? Did Tesla, which is burning through money like it’s going out of style, (link recent article) borrow its design from Honda to save a little cheddar on R&D or is it just a wild coincidence paired with my paranoia and annoyance that almost every car out there looks like a copy of one another, effectively killing the uniqueness that once made the automotive world so great? Let me know in the comments section below.

Yes, it is possible for one of SEMA cars not to be all flamboyant and chintzy. This discreetly beautiful ScienceofSpeed Acura NSX is built by an Arizona-based tuner who in this car have realized their “dream Project.” Inspired by GT3 racing cars, the SoS NSX benefits from a thorough upgrade.

It is possible that SoS found the hybrid system that powers the NSX a bit too complicated – or too perfect – to be messed with. So they have been content with a few basic mods here concerning exhaust and cooling system. The handling meanwhile has been improved via a lowering treatment for the suspension complete with lift system, Brembo ceramic brakes and a set of high-performance wheels and tires. Visually, the main highlight is Nouvelle Blue Pearl paint work, complemented with a host of carbon fiber aero parts. As for the interior, black leather Recaro Pole Position racing seats with blue stitching and accents on the doors, dash and seats count as the coolest features.

When Acura revealed the second-generation NSX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, we were smitten. Sporting a hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 boosted by two turbochargers and no less than three electric motors, the new NSX carries the torch of its predecessor as a high-tech ground-bound spaceship capable of warp speed on the track. As such, we think it made perfect sense for Acura to offer a competition-spec iteration. Honed by Honda Performance Development, the NSX GT3 builds on the baseline of its street-going sibling with more aggressive aerodynamics, a stripped down interior, hardcore suspension bits, and nearly 600 horsepower at the rear axle via a six-speed sequential transmission. The advanced AWD system was ditched to meet homologation standards, and the result is a car that’s more raw, more brutal, and more in your face than ever before. It’s the perfect fit for tackling a beast like California’s Laguna Seca race track, as evidenced by this onboard footage from our friends over at Racer.

Shot from the driver’s helmet point of view, the five-minute clip was taken during testing for the 8 Hours of California endurance race set to take place this weekend. At the helm is Acura factory driver Ryan Eversley, who wheels the NSX around the challenging circuit with precision and unflappable poise, blasting around slower traffic with relative ease. All very impressive stuff, and we can’t wait to see where the Acura team will end up when the checkered flag flies this weekend.

When Acura revealed the second-generation NSX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, we were smitten. Sporting a hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 boosted by two turbochargers and no less than three electric motors, the new NSX carries the torch of its predecessor as a high-tech ground-bound spaceship capable of warp speed on the track. As such, we think it made perfect sense for Acura to offer a competition-spec iteration. Honed by Honda Performance Development, the NSX GT3 builds on the baseline of its street-going sibling with more aggressive aerodynamics, a stripped down interior, hardcore suspension bits, and nearly 600 horsepower at the rear axle via a six-speed sequential transmission. The advanced AWD system was ditched to meet homologation standards, and the result is a car that’s more raw, more brutal, and more in your face than ever before. It’s the perfect fit for tackling a beast like California’s Laguna Seca race track, as evidenced by this onboard footage from our friends over at Racer.

Shot from the driver’s helmet point of view, the five-minute clip was taken during testing for the 8 Hours of California endurance race set to take place this weekend. At the helm is Acura factory driver Ryan Eversley, who wheels the NSX around the challenging circuit with precision and unflappable poise, blasting around slower traffic with relative ease. All very impressive stuff, and we can’t wait to see where the Acura team will end up when the checkered flag flies this weekend.

First introduced in 2012, the Acura ILX is framed as the premium brand’s replacement for the Acura TSX, and continues the tradition as a premium compact sedan offered at a relatively affordable price. At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Acura ushered in a refresh for the 2016 model year, bringing an updated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed transmission, and new LED headlights. Now, there’s a special edition model on the table, and it gets sportier exterior styling plus new premium goodies in the cabin.

The new special edition is in dealers now, and it gets styling components pulled from the sporty-looking A-Spec package, plus premium touches in the cabin that help to justify the model’s luxurious aspirations. However, in terms of actual performance, the ILX Special Edition is essentially unchanged. Making the go is a standard-spec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct fuel injection, dual overhead cams, and the i-VTEC variable valve timing system. Sending the power to the front axle is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which can be controlled via steering wheel paddle shifters if desired. Peak output is rated at 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, while fuel mileage is rated at 25 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. Pricing for the Special Edition model is set at $28,900, which is an $800 premium over the standard model.

Continue reading to learn more about the Acura ILX Special Edition.

What Makes The Acura ILX Special Edition Special

So What About Those Exterior Upgrades?

“Upgrades include new aero components plucked from the popular A-Spec package, including a new rear spoiler and side skirts”

For starters, the ILX was already a rather sharp-looking piece of design, even in its standard specification. While no one is gonna confuse it for a high-end German luxury sedan, the ILX is still a cut above the more mundane commuters that reside just below its entry-level price.

The point is this – it’s a pretty solid starting point for this Special Edition. Luckily, Acura built on this (as opposed to diminished it) when going about upgrading the exterior. Upgrades include new aero components plucked from the popular A-Spec package, including a new rear spoiler and side skirts, plus 18-inch wheels in the corners and the requisite special edition badges scattered here and there. In the front fascia you’ll find Acura’s JewelEye headlights, complete with LEDs and an automatic on/off feature.

What Should I Expect From The Cabin?

“Like the exterior, we find the ILX Special Edition equipped with exactly the sort of stuff you want inside”

Like the exterior, we find the ILX Special Edition equipped with exactly the sort of stuff you want inside. There’s an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a multi-view rear-facing camera, a one-touch power moonroof, a Bluetooth hands-free feature, a 5.0-inch display, keyless smart entry, a push-button starter, a security system, and leather for the steering wheel and shift knob. Acura is also offering its AcuraWatch safety systems and driver assists as an available option.

Conclusion

Normally, we aren’t the biggest fans of these sorts of special editions. We usually find them overpriced and promising far more than they can deliver.

This time around, we were pleasantly surprised. Given the ILX seeks a mix of performance and luxury amenities, we like the slightly sportier attitude and extra stuff in the cabin. True, there are more aggressive options out there, and there are more luxurious options out there as well, but this special edition finds a nice balance all the same. There aren’t too many gimmicks (no blacked-out trim, thank goodness), and rather, you get all the sort of stuff you actually want. Sure, we’d love more performance, but we’ll let it slide this time around.

If you are looking to buy a new sports sedan in America you may want to hold on a few days and check out the new 2018 Acura ILX. Arriving shortly at dealerships nationwide, the new ILX comes with sporty looks and features, and a wide range of trim levels to choose from including a new Special Edition.

Powering the 2018 Acura ILX in all trims is a 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. peak torque. Connected to a Sequential SportShift 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), this engine returns EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city/35 highway/29 combined which is pretty good considering the output. The ILX also looks refreshingly aggressive fora family car and that ought to justify the pricing to some extent, which kicks off at $28,100.

Acura ILX Special Edition starts at $28,900 but offers a lot of extras on top of the base model. Besides the A-Spec features, this version also gets Acura JewelEye LED headlights, an 8-way power driver’s seat, multi-view rearview camera, auto on/off headlights, one-touch power moonroof, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, 5-inch Multi-View Display, keyless smart entry with push-button start, security system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Around since the 2001 model year, the Acura MDX is a very hot commodity and has been a huge success, proving to be one of the best-selling three-row luxury crossovers of all time, and has historically sat below the Lexus RX as the best-selling luxury crossover. It’s been through two generational shifts with the third-gen model making its debut for the 2015 model year and was facelifted just a couple of years later, to bring about the new diamond pentagon grille, LED headlamps, LED taillights, and an updated AcuraWatch safety system that includes automatic collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all as standard equipment. Its exterior style to cues from the Acura Precision Concept and the Acura NSX, the latter of which also inspired the drivetrain found in the hybrid model.

The MDX has had pretty steady sales since the third-gen model was introduced, with 2014 accounting for 65,603 units sold, 2015 accounting for 58,208 units, and 2016 accounting for 55,495 units. Those are U.S. numbers only, and this is a global model so you can imagine the global sales are significantly higher. As we move into 2018, Acura continues to set the pace as a leader in the segment by bringing about an updated infotainment system, some new exterior colors, and a new pricing point that is a bit higher than it was for 2017, but not by much and well worth it considering what you get from a luxury brand like Acura. Check out our full review below to learn all about the facelifted, third-gen MDX.

Update 9/19/2017: Acura has released pricing for the 2018 model year, and there are a couple of updates to talk about as well. Check out our review below to learn all about it.

Launched in 1986, Acura has come a long way in 30 years, evolving from a small two-car lineup into a full-fledged automaker with no fewer than six offerings in 2017. Acura also entered motorsport very early, hitting the race tracks in 1991, just five years after its launch. So far, it has raced in some of the most important motorsport series, including the SCCA, IMSA GT, and the American Le Mans, scoring class wins at Daytona and Sebring. In 2009, the brand produced its very first LMP1 prototype car, the Acura ARX-02a. Come 2017, and the Japanese firm is joining the IMSA SportsCar Championship with its latest DPi prototype, the ARX-05.

Developed for the 2018 season, the ARX-05 will join the top tier of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where it will go against Cadillac, Mazda, Ligier, and Nissan. A new team will bring together Acura Motorsports and Team Penske in an effort to win the championship against Cadillac, which has dominated the 2017 season. The multi-year DPi program will be headed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the racing arm for both Acura Motorsports and Honda Racing in North America. The ARX-05’s official debut will take place at the season-opening Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2018.

Prior to its public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the new Acura ARX-05 DPi race car stops by the internet to show off its cool new looks. The machine is a Daytona Prototype International (DPi) to be fielded by Team Penske in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Acura ARX-05 DPi also marks the return of the brand to endurance prototype racing, a field they have been active in on and off since 1991. The new car is built on the proven ORECA 07 chassis but gets a completely new look that reflects the design philosophy of Acura with highlights such as Jewel Eye headlights. It even gets a production-based engine, the race-proven AR35TT twin-turbocharged engine, based on the production 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the Acura MDX, RDX, TLX and RLX models.

“Right from the start, Acura has raced – and done so successfully,” said Art St. Cyr, President of HPD and Acura Motorsports. “We’ve won with the Acura Integra Type R, the RSX, the first-generation NSX and with the Le Mans prototypes. Most recently, we’ve won with the new Acura NSX GT3. The ARX-05 is our fifth-generation prototype, and we expect great things from our partnership with Team Penske.”

Introduced in 2013, the RLX is one of Acura’s newest nameplates. Designed to replace the severely outdated second-generation RL, the RLX was received with mixed reviews. While praised for its powerful V-6, hybrid drivetrains, and technology, the full-sizesedan was criticized for its bland looks and relatively high prices compared to its rivals. This is probably why Acura is introducing a new styling for the RLX only four years after the original model hit the market. The redesigned sedan was just previewed ahead of the Monterey Car Week, where it will make its public debut on August 15.

Although a four-year-old vehicle usually gets a mild facelift, the RLX was redesigned from the ground up on the outside, now reflecting the company’s new Precision Crafted Performance styling language. Granted, the interior carries over unchanged save for additional equipment and the drivetrain options all have the same specifications, but Acura solved one of the RLX’s biggest issues: the dull design. Let’s have a closer look at what it brings to the table in the review below.

Updated 11/06/2017: Acura announced prices for the 2018 RLX which is now on sale at dealer nationwide. Check the “Prices” section for the full details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Acura RLX.

Exterior

“The RLX's new exterior design is familiar if you've seen the new TLX and MDX, but it's a significant departure from the current sedan.”

The RLX’s new exterior design is familiar if you’ve seen the new TLX and MDX, but it’s a significant departure from the current sedan. Up front, the most notable change is the new “beak” grille with sharper corners and a wider center section. The mesh grille design is also new, and it appears to combine elements seen on Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models. I’m not saying that Acura took inspiration from those cars, but it’s the best way I can describe it. My other option is that it looks as if tiny UFOs shoot out of the Acura badge toward the headlamps. How’s that for PR, Acura?

Speaking of the headlamps, their sharp inner corners have been reversed, so the car gets a more aggressive, frowning appearance. The outer corners are also sharper than before, while a new, L-shaped LED strip adds a unique look. Below, we have large chrome inserts at each corner, a significantly wider lower intake with integrated daytime running lights, and a larger splitter. The engine hood also looks more muscular thanks to the extra creases on each side.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

112.2

Length (Inches)

196.1

Height (Inches)

57.7

Width (Inches)

74.4

Track front/rear (Inches)

64.3 / 64.2

Interior

“Unlike the exterior, the interior design remains largely unchanged.”

Unlike the exterior, the interior design remains largely unchanged. This isn’t a bad thing, but the cluttered center stack with the two small displays and HVAC control above the center console needs a redesign. I’m also not a fan of the A/C vents placed all over the dashboard, but other than that, the current RLX still feels fresh on the inside.

“The seats have been revised for improved comfort, while both the gasoline and hybrid models now come with the enhanced AcuraWatch.”

There are few changes to talk about it though. The seats have been revised for improved comfort, while both the gasoline and hybrid models now come with the enhanced AcuraWatch suite of technologies as standard. The package includes Traffic Jam Assist, a first for Acura, Collision Mitigation Braking System with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation. AcuraWatch uses a millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings.

Drivetrain

“While V-6 engine cranks out the same 310 horsepower, it now mates to a 10-speed automatic.”

Under that sexy shell, there’s a blend of old and new. While the 3.5-liter V-6 in the gasoline model cranks out the same 310 horsepower as in the outgoing car, it now mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission that improves acceleration. Unfortunately, there are no performance figures to back this claim yet. The sedan also gained rear-axle steering for improved stability.

The Sport Hybrid model returns too, with a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, just like the NSX supercar. However, the configuration is a bit different, as two of the three motors are on the rear axle, giving the sedan all-wheel drive. Ouput is rated at 377 horsepower and Acura claims that the Sport Hybrid is its best performing sedan to sedan. We’re still waiting for performance figures on this model too.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine Type

Direct Injection V-6

Displacement (liters)

3.5

Horsepower

310 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

272 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (City/Highway/Combined)

20/30/23

Curb Weight (lbs without/with AcuraWatch Plus)

3,955 / 3,962

Transmission

10-speed automatic

Prices

Pricing for the new RLX starts from $54,900 for the P-AWS model. This sticker makes it only $450 more expensive than the outgoing model. Opt for the RLX Sport Hybrid and the sticker jumps to $61,900 before options. The price gap compared to the old model is bigger here, translating to a $1,950 increase. All told, the new RLX is some $4,000 more expensive than its main competitors. But more about that below.

Trim

MSRP

MSRP Including $965 Destination Charge

EPA MPG Rating City/Highway/Combined

RLX P-AWS

$54,900

$55,865

20 / 29 / 23

RLX Sport Hybrid

$61,900

$62,865

28 / 29 / 28

Competition

Acura’s goal for the RLX is to compete against the big German three and give cars like the BMW 5 Series,Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6 a run for their money. However, the general consensus is that the RLX compete with vehicles that usually bridge the gap between affordable and premium. The Lincoln MKZ is one of them. Introduced in 2012, the current MKZ has been revised in 2016, when much like the RLX, it received a significant overhaul on the outside. Now sharing styling cues with the larger Continental, the MKZ sports a similarly rich interior, but benefits from a larger infotainment display. It’s also doing well in the technology department, being equipped with everything one needs in a big sedan, including navigation, smartphone connectivity, and an instrument cluster packed with information. Drivetrain options include a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 188 horsepower, a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid with 240 horses, and a new 3.0-liter turbo V-6 rated at 400 horses and 400 pound-feet of torque. Pricing starts from $35,170, but in order to get a model that matches the RLX’s output, you’ll have to go with the V-6-powered Black Label model, which retails from $50,580. The good news is that you pay some $4,000 less and you get 90 extra horsepower.

The Q70 is yet another Japanese full-size aimed at the big German sedan that so far has yet to make a big impression. Launched in 2013, it has already gained a few updates, and much like the RLX, it has a sporty yet styling exterior that’s not as understated as the MKZ. Technology is abundant inside the cabin, which in my opinion has the best looking design of the three. The leather and contrast stitching is combined with loads of wood veneer, which adorns large portions of the dashboard, center stack, and center console. The drivetrain is as diverse as they get and includes only high-output engines. The range begins with the 3.7-liter V-6 rated at 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet, but Infiniti also offers a 5.6-liter V-8 good for a whopping 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet. Finally, we have the hybrid version that combines a 3.5-liter V-6 with electric power for a total output of 302 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. The Q70 retails from $50,100, which makes it a bit more affordable than the Acura RLX.

Conclusion

The RLX was never a high seller compared to other offerings in this niche, but it did pretty good compared to other vehicles in Acura’s lineup. But, things have gone really stale in recent months, and it was very obvious that Acura had to do something about it. While a redesign is definitely the better option, Acura did the right thing to turn this mid-cycle facelift into a styling overhaul. The sedan’s exterior was rather dull, while the cabin and the drivetrains remain competitive with both German and Japanese rivals. It’s safe to assume that the RLX will stay fresh for a few more years, but it remains to be seen how customers will react to the slightly revised drivetrain and the performance gains that come with them.

Love it

Fresh, modern exterior design

Extra features inside

Revised drivetrains

Leave it

Still more expensive than the competition

Needs a new interior soon

Exterior Side-by-side Comparison

“Overall, the RLX is a big improvement design-wise. Not only stylish and sportier at the same time, it also exudes a premium look.”

Moving onto the sides, not much has changed save for the chrome trim on the side skirts, the chrome door handles, and the new wheel design. However, we can see more modifications around back, starting with the crisper taillights and the thicker chrome trim on the trunk lid. Both elements give the RLX a more premium look, as do the larger exhaust tips and the chrome bumper inserts below. The new exterior is rounded off by three new colors choices, including two premium paint offerings: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.

Overall, the RLX is a big improvement design-wise. Not only stylish and sportier at the same time, it also exudes that premium look Acura has struggled to achieve for many years.

How cool it would be owning a family sedan that was inspired by the NSX supercar? Well, that is what this new 2018 Acura RLX facelift is all about. Powered by a 377 horsepower hybrid powertrain, performance all-wheel-drive and an aggressive new design put the new RLX in a class of its own, and it’s such a high class it warrants a Monterey debut.

That’s right, 2018 Acura RLX will make its public debut during the prestigious Monterey Automotive Week, August 15-19. If you are going you can see it at the Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue on Tuesday, August 15 and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, August 18. Acura calls the new RLX the “most sophisticated and best performing Acura sedan ever,” which is what you would expect it to be what with those NSX-inspired specs.

2018 RLX comes with a direct-injected V-6 with three electric motors and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive mated to a new 10-speed Automatic Transmission (10AT). That is a helluva recipe, but, as seen with the NSX, it could prove kind of too good for its own goodin the sense that it won’t offer much in the way of a sporty feel. But the performance will no doubt be mind-boggling. Acura is yet to reveal the performance figures for this car.

Acura expands its motorsport activities further by returning to prototype racing with a new sports car to be introduced at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering later this month. The 2018 Acura ARX-05 Prototype race car will be fielded next season by Team Penske in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Following its debut at the Quail, Acura ARX-05 will then make guest appearances at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The first outing of the ARX as an official competition car will take place in January 2018 at Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The ARX in Acura ARX-05 Prototype’s name stands for Acura Racing eXperimental, and the 5 refers to the fact that its the fifth generation of these car to hit the track. The return to prototype racing for Acura is on the line with the company’s plans for introducing new and increasingly sportier production car, which is probably why they trusted the design of the new ARX to the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, Calif. under the auspices of Dave Marek, Acura global creative director. The whole program is being conducted by Honda Performance Development, the racing arm for both Acura Motorsports and Honda Racing in North America.

Acura expands its motorsport activities further by returning to prototype racing with a new sports car to be introduced at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering later this month. The 2018 Acura ARX-05 Prototype race car will be fielded next season by Team Penske in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Following its debut at the Quail, Acura ARX-05 will then make guest appearances at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The first outing of the ARX as an official competition car will take place in January 2018 at Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The ARX in Acura ARX-05 Prototype’s name stands for Acura Racing eXperimental, and the 5 refers to the fact that its the fifth generation of these car to hit the track. The return to prototype racing for Acura is on the line with the company’s plans for introducing new and increasingly sportier production car, which is probably why they trusted the design of the new ARX to the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, Calif. under the auspices of Dave Marek, Acura global creative director. The whole program is being conducted by Honda Performance Development, the racing arm for both Acura Motorsports and Honda Racing in North America.

In case you were somehow unaware, let me be the first to tell ya – GT3 racing is an awesome spectacle. Imagine a long line of production-based competition vehicles hailing from some of the biggest names in automotive performance. Forget the V-8-powered metal shells of NASCAR and the unobtanium spaceships of Formula 1 – GT cars are actually somewhat recognizable as iterations of their street-legal counterparts, plus the requisite aero enhancements, of course. For well-heeled individuals interested in playing race car driver, the GT3 class makes for a tempting adventure, especially with all the customer racing options now offered direct from the factory. Now, Acura is sweetening the pot with this – the NSX GT3 race car, available to anyone with an extra $500,000 to burn and an insatiable need for speed.

Offered for purchase globally in anticipation of the 2018 race season, the NSX GT3 is close in spec to the street machine, but with some notable differences – for example, the hybrid AWD system was replaced with RWD and gas-only power. Honda Performance Development is taking orders now, starting at 465,000 Euros, or $546,491 at current exchange rates (07/28/2017). North American buyers are directed to browse AcuraClientRacing.com, while MUGEN2 is handling sales in Japan. Buyers in the rest of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are advised to contact JAS Motorsport. Acura and Honda are also offering customers access to “parts and service,” as well as “training and engineering services,” if needed. Read on for more info on the car.

Honda/Acura announced the highly anticipated 2018 NSX GT3 customer race car is now available to order by qualified customers for the 2018 Motorsport season. Sold through JAS Motorsport in Europe, HPD in North America and by Mugen in Japan at a base price of €465,000, the GT3 may not be the best car on the grid next year, but it’ll certainly be the best looking.

Racing with the Honda/Acura NSX GT3, eligible to race in more than two dozen FIA-sanctioned race events around the world, will cost you around half a million Euro just to begin with. Then there is the parts and sales, training and engineering services you’ll have to pay for. But the good new is Honda supplies all of that so you don’t have to shop around.

As for the technical specs, Honda/Acura NSX GT3 boasts a production-based 3.5-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 racing engine with the block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons and dry-sump lubrication system changed for competition and mated to a six-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox and backed by racing chassis and aerodynamic package. The car’s development has been undertaken as a collaborative project over the past three years that has also included HPD since the end of 2015 with over 85,000km of race and test mileage completed. An initial batch of 12 cars will be produced in time for the start of the 2018 race season.

The 2018 NSX GT3 will be eligible for:

The Blancpain GT Series, Nurburgring 24 Hour race in Europe;

The Pirelli World Challenge and IMSA SportsCar series in North America;

Patent drawings of cars are always fun when they’re leaked because they, directly or indirectly, provide a window into an automaker’s plans for a specific model. It’s certainly no shock then that these new patent drawings from Honda have created quite a buzz in our circles, largely because it looks incredibly like the NSX sports car. First spotted by Autoguide, these patents have been registered and published by the European Union Intellectual Property Office and while they don’t reveal anything specific as to what Honda’s plans are, it does point us in a direction where we could be seeing another Honda sports car in the works. Could it be a smaller version of the NSX as many people seem to think it is? Or could it be something else entirely, perhaps even the long-rumored successor to the Honda S2000?

These are very interesting questions that only Honda can answer over time. What appears clear at this point though is that the automaker isn’t content with just having one full-spec sports car in its portfolio. It figures that there’s a move to add to the NSX given how rival automakers have made similar pushes to beef up their own sports car lineups. Add that to Honda admitting that its dealerships have become more demonstrative in their requests for more sports cars wearing the Honda badge and it’s clear that there’s a groundswell of support coming from all sides for a new Honda sports car to enter the fray. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered though before anything concrete can be laid out on the table. Join us then as we try to answer some of them.

The Acura RDX was technically Acura’s first true compactSUV/crossover after the MDX completely outgrew the segment. The RDX came to be in 2007 and was replaced by a second-generation model in 2013. It took on a facelift in 2016, but for some reason, Acura stayed with its typical beak design – a big letdown for most – but it was at least brought up to speed with the rest of the models in the lineup. All of that is about to change in the near future, though, as Acura has been working on the third-gen RDX and we finally have proof thanks to this first round of spy shots that we have been blessed with.

Of course, Acura is trying to keep things as secretive as possible right now, so there’s so much camo and padding that we can’t make out much, but it should be quite revolutionary when taking into account the changes that have been brought forth with the new Civic, MDX, and the TLX. The most important aspect will be a new grille up front, but new engines should surface, and the interior should get a nice reworking as well.
And, while we can’t make out much of what the upcoming RDX has in store for us, it has to be something great because the competition in this segment isn’t a joke. We’re talking about names like the Audi Q5, the BMW X3,Land Rover Evoque, and the Mercedes GLC. So, we’re clearly talking about some heavy hitters, and Acura needs to come to the ring ready to box and go a full 15 if the third-gen RDX is going to have a fighting chance. So, with that said, let’s take a good look at this first round of spy shots, and speculate a little bit about what we’re going to see when the 2019 Acura RDX makes its debut next year.

The sport sedan – talk about a hotly contested segment. Almost every major automaker out there has one, but as you might expect, not all are created equal. And that’s where we come in, armed with a boatload of facts and figures to help rank the various entries from best to worst. Of course, more attentive TopSpeed readers out there are sure to point out that this is a topic we’ve covered before, most recently in a comparison piece looking at the Audi A4,BMW 3 Series,Chrysler 300,Infiniti Q50,Jaguar XE, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But unlike that last article, which focused on luxury cars with a sporty flavor, this piece will instead focus on cars that place a greater emphasis on performance, with luxury as a secondary priority. As such, we’re picking apart the Acura TLX,Alfa Romeo Giulia,Cadillac ATS,Subaru WRX STI, and Volvo S60. Sure, there’s overlap, but in this crowd, the effort is made more for grins behind the wheel than backside coddling.

That isn’t to say these cars aren’t comfortable – indeed, each offers a fair amount of upscale treatment, some more so than others. That said, we weighed performance much more heavily this time around, giving otherwise more spartan models a shot at the top of the list. So how do we place these five four-doors? Read on to find out.

Acura announced today the official pricing for the 2018 Acura TLX in the American market. The sporty sedan with its refreshed looks, upgraded equipment and new A-Spec trim level starts at $33,000 but depending on the engine and trim and optional package can go up to $45,750.

For the 33 grand 2018 Acura TLX you get a decently equipped car with a 2.4-liter, 206-horsepower i-VTEC mated to an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with torque converter. Going up to $36,200 will buy you a TLX with a 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower i-VTEC V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4 liter models come with Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer, while V6 models can optioned with two or four wheel drive. TLX 2.4-liter models can be equipped with the Technology Package, while V6 models are available with the Technology, A-Spec or Advance Packages.

The Acura TLX fights for dominance in a tough segment with models like the BMW 3 Series,Alfa Romeo Giulia, and Mercedes C-Class, among others. It’s a war-torn battlefield where models must be updated frequently to keep up, and things are always changing. As such, Acura has stayed on top of its game with the TLX, and just a few years after being introduced, it has gone through a facelift that brought about a new look to the front and rear, including the new Precision grille, lots of LED lights, and some updated technology inside to help it stay relevant. The updated TLX debuted at the New York Auto show, and just days later, Acura pulled the sheet off of another TLX – this time in prototype form with a longer wheelbase.

Obviously, Acura is trying to judge public interest in a LWB TLX in the one market that glorifies long vehicles with excessive room in the rear. It’s a status symbol, really, and the TLX in longer form should be more than sufficient for the wealthy Chinese businessman who would rather be driven. Acura hasn’t said much about this prototype and has only released a couple of images. The exterior is identical to the model we saw here in the U.S., with the exception of it having an extra-long roof, kick panels, and rear door. How much longer is it? Well, Acura didn’t say, but judging its length by the pictures provided, I’m guessing it’s somewhere around 4.5-inches longer. That should boost rear legroom up to around 38.5-inches, up from 34.5-inches in the standard model. There’s no word on any interior changes outside of the potential for extra legroom, but I suspect Acura would cater to the Chinese market well and offer plenty of rear-seat amenities like reclining seats, leg rests, rear infotainment, etc…